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Gesang der Geister, Op 88

Introduction

Schubert set this text three times; two of these are recorded in The Hyperion Schubert Edition, but the third (D714, for male-voiced octet accompanied by low strings) falls outside the scope of a series devoted to the vocal music with piano. Loewe’s version for vocal quartet and piano, his Op 88, was composed in 1840 and published two years later. It is the composer’s considerable achievement to have written accessible music, not terribly difficult to perform, that nevertheless does not seem unworthy of great words that gave even Schubert considerable difficulty. Loewe’s part-writing for the voices is skilful, the pianistic interludes are water music of some originality and effectiveness, and the three vocal solos (for soprano, bass and finally tenor) are cleverly set to reflect the words and different terrain through which the water passes. The quartet reassembles for the charming allegretto coda (‘Wind ist der Welle / Lieblicher Buhler’) where the composer’s lilting invention is, once again, charming without being untrue to the profound spirit of the text. If this is Hausmusik, it is of a very superior kind, and entirely typical of Loewe’s often astounding professionalism.

Recordings

'This would have been a massive project for even the biggest international label, but from a small independent … it is a miracle. An ideal Christ ...'Please give me the complete Hyperion Schubert songs set – all 40 discs –and, in the next life, I promise I'll "re-gift" it to Schubert himself … ...» More

'This enterprising, often revelatory set should intrigue and delight anyone interested in the development of the Lied' (Gramophone)'Since making music with friends was Schubert's whole raison d'etre, this 3-CD box is an inspired idea … Led by the soprano Susan Gritton, ...» More

The soul of mankind
is like the water:
from heaven it comes;
to heaven it rises;
and again
to earth it must descend,
eternally fluctuating.

When the pure jet
gushes from the high,
steep rock-face,
it sprays gratefully
its misty waves
against the smooth rock,
and when lightly gathered
surges like a veil,
softly hissing,
down into the depths.

If cliffs loom up
in the path of its fall,
it foams angrily,
step by step,
into the abyss.

In its level bed
it meanders through the meadow valley,
and in the glassy lake
all the stars
delight in their own countenance.

The wind is the waves’
sweet lover;
the wind thoroughly stirs up
the foaming billows.

Soul of mankind,
how like the water you are!
Fate of mankind,
how like the wind!